VILLA PARK

1996 RECORD: 3-7 overall, 1-4 in league

COACH: Pat Mahoney (82-62-1 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 9 on offense, 4 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Dache Dameron, TB/DB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Dallas Dapper, WR, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Spencer Grace, LB/TE, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Jon Johnson, DT, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Matt Jackson, QB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Harrison Kho, OL/LB, 5-8, 180, Sr.; Matt Mahoney, C/DT, 5-9, 200, Jr.; Rob Mason, DB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Robby McConchie, WR, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Nick Miranda, FB/DB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Paul Neilson, DE, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Matt Swearingen, LB/K, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Ryan Wann, RB/SS, 6-1, 192, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Jeff Anderson, OL/DL, 6-1, 260, So.; Dan Beuschlein, DL, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Nick Busciglio, DB, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Steve Choate, LB/C, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Nate Harris, WR, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Sergio Lopez, OL/DL, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Matt Perron, OL, 5-11, 245, Sr.

OUTLOOK

Mahoney was optimistic that his team could reverse last season’s trend of losing five of six games decided by fewer than eight points. But Villa Park lost some of its depth in the backfield recently. Miranda is recovering from mononucleosis and sophomore Marquis Colvin moved to New Jersey. And Dameron, who rushed for a team-high 1,113 yards last season, may need hernia surgery. Still, the Spartans are loaded with returners at the skill positions, including the versatile Wann, who started last season at quarterback but will play more tailback this season. Jackson will start at quarterback. “This group is not physically dominating,” Mahoney said. “We don’t have too many wonder childs or big strong guys. But I like our team. They like to compete.”

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 vs. Valencia at El Modena HS; 19 vs. El Toro at El Modena HS; 26 at Trabuco Hills.

Oct. 2 vs. Loara at Western HS; 10 vs. Corona at El Modena HS; 16 vs. Canyon at El Modena HS; 25 vs. Santa Ana Valley at El Modena HS.

Nov. 1 vs. Foothill at El Modena HS; 7 at El Modena; 13 vs. Orange at El Modena HS.